Another 30% believe that the ROC builds relations with the government exactly as it should - expresses its position when it is really necessary, and does not interfere in issues that do not concern it, the poll said, adding that 12% of respondents are sure that the church does not have enough influence on public life.
According to the poll, 33% of respondents believe that the church should deal only with religious problems, without interfering in the life of society, 45% say that the church should influence the moral and spiritual life of the society, but not interfere in politics and state affairs. Only 13% of respondents think that the ROC should actively participate in solving social and state problems.
Nine percent of respondents are sure that the church has a strong influence on the life of Russian society, while another 25% think that the church slightly affects the citizens’ life and 48% believe that the ROC has practically no influence on public life.
In addition, the poll showed that 5% of respondents would make church services free, another 4% would order the church not to participate in politics, education, or science, and the same number of respondents would ban church officials from owning luxury items. Twenty-two percent of respondents would not change anything.
The survey was conducted on August 11, 2022, among 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over.